As these disasters become more frequent, firefighters are turning to new technology to help tackle them. Some fire departments in Australia and the United States have started using virtual reality (VR) to train firefighters.Australia-based FLAIM Systems has built a VR training simulator for firefighters. Wearing a headset, trainees are immersed in real-life scenarios that can be too dangerous to reproduce in the real world.
"The whole point of VR is that we can put people in a traditionally dangerous situation, let people make decisions, and let people make mistakes," James Mullins, founder and CEO of FLAIM Systems, told CNN Business.
The VR technology produces realistic renders of smoke, fire, water and fire-extinguishing foam in several different scenarios, such as a house fire, an aircraft fire or wildfire.
Trainees wear a heat suit that replicates the likely temperature in each scenario, controlled by software that determines the proximity and orientation to the fire and how that would affect the individual.
"We can heat a firefighter up to 100 degrees Celsius or so, roughly," says Mullin, but only for short timeframes. He adds that they can also replicate the force felt from the hose, and simultaneously measure the heart and respiration rate of the trainee.
The company was launched in 2017 by Deakin University in Victoria, Australia, where Mullins is an associate professor. In the two years since then, it has grown from a two-man team to 18 people and now distributes to firefighting training providers in 16 countries worldwide including Australia, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium and the United States.
Last year, Australia's Country Fire Authority (CFA) piloted the training system, and though it has yet to be approved for wider use, Greg Paterson, CFA's deputy chief officer, told CNN Business that it could be valuable in remote areas of the country.
It could be particularly useful in a bushfire context, he adds. "The ability to provide exposure to dangerous bushfire conditions allows volunteers to immerse themselves in realistic scenarios they would not normally be exposed to during training," says Paterson.
California trials
In October 2019, the Cosumnes Fire Department in California, teamed up with VR developers RiVR and Pico Interactive, to create its own training system for 20 new recruits. The trial was successful, and the department will continue to use VR in its training program.
"It allows them to experience first hand the unique challenges with communication, limited visibility and come face to face with the flames in fire situations that they most certainly will encounter during their firefighting career," said fire department captain Julie Rider.
An experienced firefighter herself, Rider said that she was impressed by how lifelike the VR scenario was.
"I could feel my heart rate climb as I looked around the room, seeing where the fire started, watching the rapid rate of fire spread," she said. "It was amazing to experience the inherent risk, extreme danger and fire intensity without feeling any of the dangerous effects from the fire."
Environmental impact
Using VR technology also reduces the environmental impact of firefighter training. Traditional training releases smoke and pollutants into the atmosphere from burning substances, affecting the surrounding air quality.
"Our technology enables people to train without discharging foam into the environment, without creating smoke, or using water," said Mullins.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported the temperature that FLAIM's firefighting suits can be heated to.
Continue reading here:
No smoke, no water, no waste. VR could train the next generation of firefighters - CNN
- Virtual Reality - Virtual Reality [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- VR, Virtual Reality | Virtalis [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2016]
- Road to VR - Virtual Reality News [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2016]
- VR Porn, Exclusive Virtual Reality Sex Videos. WankzVR [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2016]
- Immersion (virtual reality) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- Virtual Reality - Setting the Record Straight One Post at ... [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- NBA broadcasts games in virtual reality with NextVR ... [Last Updated On: December 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality | Future | Fandom powered by Wikia [Last Updated On: December 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual reality, one year out: What went right, what didn't ... [Last Updated On: December 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality Toronto - VRTO - Virtual Reality, Toronto [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2017]
- Virtual reality headset - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Tribemix Virtual Reality for Dementia Care - YouTube [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Has Arrived in the Art World. Now What? - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Experience College Swim Meet - SwimSwam [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Explore The Amazon With This Stunning 360 Virtual Reality Video - IFLScience [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Adobe's Path To Entering The Virtual Reality Story - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Europe's virtual reality sector has grown to nearly 300 companies - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Virtual reality to recount Maori life - Otago Daily Times [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- John Wall: 'I really thought I was gonna die' - ESPN.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Travel Brands and Meeting Planners Are Using Virtual Reality to Drive Conversion - Skift [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Sportsnet to launch 360 Virtual Reality for six NHL games - Sportsnet.ca [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- In the burgeoning world of virtual reality, storytelling is both cutting-edge and old-fashioned - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- What parents need to know about virtual reality - Deseret News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- 8 Real Success Tips From Women Building The Future With Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Virtual reality: prepare for the revolution - AndroidPIT [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Prospects Dimming For Facebook's Oculus Rift Virtual-Reality Headsets - Investor's Business Daily [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- WATCH: YouTube Stars Create Amazing La La Land-Inspired Virtual-Reality Music Video - PEOPLE.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality addiction threat prompts cautious approach as VR nears 'smartphone-like' take-off - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Archaeology turns to virtual reality with Lithodomos start-up - The Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- The Future Of Virtual Reality: Mobile VR Platforms In A Battle - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is boring compared to Beyonc's actual reality - A.V. Club (blog) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Google wants to use Chrome to suck you into virtual reality - CNET [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Ringling showcase offers glimpse of virtual reality in Sarasota - Sarasota Herald-Tribune [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Allegheny County teachers see how to open world to classrooms with virtual reality - Tribune-Review [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Could Be Your Next Prescription - DesignNews [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- DACC & Virgin Galactic team up to explore virtual reality - Las Cruces Sun-News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Boulder International Film Festival diving into virtual reality with 2017 slate - Boulder Daily Camera [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- 'JAEPO 2017' Shows That Japanese Arcade Gaming Is Beginning To Incorporate Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Wichita-created virtual reality could take jurors into crime scenes ... - Wichita Eagle [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Why this analyst is warning investors to steer clear of virtual reality in 2017 - L.A. Biz [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- See the Newcastle virtual reality room helping children with autism overcome their phobias - ChronicleLive [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- See This Famous Masterpiece Recreated in Virtual Reality - UploadVR [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Samsung Goes for a New Look in Virtual Reality at New York Fashion Week - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality has a growing impact on college football - FOXSports.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- This company is opening a virtual reality multiplex this fall - Mashable [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Personalized virtual reality displays match eyesight | Stanford News - Stanford University News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality weather add-ons let you feel the sun and wind - New Scientist [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is still too isolating to be 'the next big thing' in tech - CBC.ca [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Miyamoto Still Has Doubts About Virtual Reality - GameSpot [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality industry 'in need of a jump-start,' Imax CEO says at ... - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Doctors use virtual reality to prepare children for scans - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Gamers get a taste of virtual reality with new Missoula arcade - KTVH [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Revised orca shows, new virtual-reality swim with whales and new ... - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Transcend VR Sues Virtual-Reality Investor Mike Rothenberg - Wall Street Journal (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- This Powerful Gaming Executive Isn't Worried If Virtual Reality Fails - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Virtual reality helps visitors transport back in time to ancient Roman ... - CBS News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Boise-area entrepreneurs see opportunity in virtual reality amid real-world perils - Idaho Statesman [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- 3D printing, virtual reality used to bring dinosaur to 'life' - The Hindu [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Virtual reality startup Relax VR wants to relieve stress in corporate environments - ZDNet [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Escape with Virtual Reality, travelogue at Way - Sentinel-Tribune [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- VR1: Idaho's first virtual reality arcade opens in Eagle - KBOI-TV [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- NBA launches virtual reality app with Google Daydream - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Is Bringing These Lost Worlds Back to Life - NBCNews.com [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Now You Can Feel Wind and Temperature While in Virtual Reality - Futurism [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- IMAX's first virtual reality arcade is here and it is beautiful - The Verge - The Verge [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- VR Sales Numbers Are Wet Blanket on Adoption Hopes - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality to Make MRIs Less Scary - Financial Tribune [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- How Valve is Taking a Nintendo-like Approach to Virtual Reality - UploadVR [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Inside an IMAX virtual reality arcade - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- With New Invention, Virtual Reality's Potential for Magic Gets Real - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- What Ubisoft learned from its first virtual reality games - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Was a Flop in 2016. Will 2017 Be the Year It Takes Off? - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality to take a decade as users chicken out, study shows - The Australian Financial Review [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is making surgery simpler - Deniz Ergurel (subscription) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality has potential to add new dimensions to marketing - Business Day (registration) [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Virtual reality will take 'maybe a decade' to become mainstream - Mashable [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- #MadeInRVAJr: Hanover siblings want to bring virtual reality to your event - WRIC [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Making Virtual Reality More Accessible - VideoInk [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- New virtual reality lounge opening in the Capital Region - NEWS10 ABC [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]